Zalud Named Big Sky Conference Special Teams Player of the Week

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- Junior placekicker Bobby Zalud has been honored by the Big Sky Conference for the second time this season following his performance in Cal Poly's 37-25 Homecoming Game victory over Portland State last Saturday in Alex G. Spanos Stadium.

Zalud was named Root Sports Big Sky special teams player of the week after kicking three field goals and four PATs, accounting for 13 of Cal Poly's scoring total.

Zalud (5-7, 190, Carlsbad, Calif./La Costa Canyon HS), a transfer from Arkansas State, averaged 34.0 yards per punt (three punts), including a long of 48 yards. He was perfect on his four extra-point kicks and kicked off eight times with four resulting in touchbacks.

Perhaps most importantly, however, Zalud was successful on each of his three field goal attempts, including a 49-yarder with 9:57 to play in the second quarter, his second-longest of the season. He also connected from 41 and 20 yards, both in the third quarter.

Zalud hit a 51-yarder against Wyoming on Sept. 15, earning his first Big Sky special teams player of the week award. It was Cal Poly's longest field goal in 16 years. Zalud kicked a career-best 56-yard field goal against Memphis last year while playing for Arkansas State.

North Dakota wide receiver Greg Hardin (12 catches, 333 yards, three TDs) is the Big Sky offensive player of the week while Northern Arizona defensive back Anders Battle (14 tackles, forced fumble, pass breakup) was named Big Sky defensive player of the week.

Root Sports, the official TV partner of the Big Sky Conference, is televising 12 conference games in 2012. Next broadcast features Idaho State at Montana on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. PDT.